Course summary

Aberystwyth University’s Environmental Science degree is an engaging course that explores the most important environmental issues of our time. Our Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is the most established and experienced department of its kind. Aberystwyth University offers you the unique opportunity to study Environmental Science in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe and at the same time enhance your employability with our integrated year in industry programme. Set on the coast of Cardigan Bay and surrounded by a great diversity of beautiful environments, including marine, moorland, mountain and grassland, the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is uniquely placed to make the most of the stunning landscapes that surround it, providing you with a fabulous variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities. This degree will equip you with the skills, abilities and expertise to face and engage with the environmental challenges facing society today. Why study Environmental Science with integrated year in industry at Aberystwyth University? Become a student in a University where the student experience is exceptional and memorable. Immerse yourself in a department that informs all students of the innovating research that has impact locally, nationally and internationally. Gain a detailed insight into key themes in geography, biology and environmental studies Develop a deeper understanding of the most significant environmental challenges of our time, including climate change and biodiversity loss Gain insight into mass extinctions and what they can tell us about human environment relations today. Explore a diverse range of modules which include sustainable development policy, geohazards, wildlife management, and marine biology course offers flexibility in the modules you choose and the themes that you specialise in. Benefit from facilities that are recognised by NERC (Natural Environment Research Council). Gain valuable work skills and experience with the integrated year in industry. What will I learn? In your first year you will explore, physical, chemical and biological nature of the Earth, global ecology, soil systems, Earth surface environments microbial diversity, the atmosphere and the water cycle, vegetation and ecosystems In your second year you will discover monitoring the environment and environmental management, ecological surveying, freshwater biology, hydrochemistry catchment systems, marine biology, geohazards, climate change and sustainability. You will also take part in a week long residential field course to develop your practical Environmental skills. Your third year will be spent in a voluntary or paid work experience placement relative to this degree scheme. In your final year you will undertake, a research project or dissertation involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of primary data. You will also have the option to select from a wide range of elective modules including: environmental law, communicating research and threats to natural ecosystems, ecology, conservations, environmental geochemistry, environmental change, palaeoglaciology, dynamic biogeography. How will I be assessed? We assess our students through a different range of methods. Some modules are assessed in part through traditional exams, but some have elements of coursework. We also have some modules that may require the student to produce practical reports, oral presentations, the design of web pages, production of short films, or contribution to online discussion forums. Some modules, notably the tutorials and field courses are assessed entirely through coursework.